CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA— As Democrats gather in Charlotte, North Carolina to nominate President Barack Obama for a second term in office, undocumented immigrants are using the spotlight to voice their concerns about U.S. immigration policy. Despite efforts to help certain illegal aliens, many believe President Obama has not done enough.

For most of her life in the United States, undocumented immigrant Ireri Unzueta-Carrasco has lived in the shadows.

“There are a lot of obstacles when you are undocumented and you are trying to grow up. So for me it was very very frustrating," said Unzueta-Carrasco.

Unzueta-Carrasco is no longer afraid to speak publicly about her status. She also has found new confidence to express her anger at U.S. immigration policy.

Part of a movement called “No Papers, No Fear,” Unzueta-Carrasco and others held an act of civil disobedience that stopped rush-hour traffic in Knoxville, Tennessee last week (Aug. 28) on their way to the Democratic National Convention.

But on this day, the target of their protest, which led to several arrests, were Tennessee law enforcement officials who are considering implementing an unpopular program known as 287G.

“287G gives police officers the power to ask for your documentations once you are pulled over, so we don’t want that enforced," said Cruz.

Undocumented immigrant Natally Cruz knows the consequences of programs like 287G. She is from Arizona, where a similar effort is already in place.

“I have family members who have been deported throughout the two years that SB 1070 has happened in Arizona," she said.

In June, the Supreme Court struck down parts of the Arizona law SB 1070, but upheld a more controversial requirement that officers with “reasonable suspicion” check the immigration status of people they detain.

University of Tennessee law professor Karla McKanders says the outcry in Arizona, Tennessee and other states considering similar legislation has put the immigration debate at the center of U.S. politics.

“This also shows that there are a lot of unsolved issues with immigration law that Congress needs to deal with," said McKanders.

President Obama recently announced the Department of Homeland Security would stop deportation proceedings against a limited group of younger undocumented immigrants. It would directly benefit Unzueta-Carrasco, who says it does not go far enough.

“President Obama is someone who really does believe immigrant communities should stay together, but he hasn’t been able to show that to me in action," she said.

“No Papers, No Fear” ends a two-month protest journey across the United States at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Here, protesters want to send a message to Democrats that immigration reform should be a priority. Florida Congresswoman and Democratic chair Debbie Wasserman Shultz agrees.

“This is a president who is committed to comprehensive immigration reform. Unfortunately we have not only no cooperation from the Republicans, but they have a candidate for president who actually believes that we should have the 12 million undocumented immigrants in this country self-deport," said Wasserman Shultz.

Previous efforts to reform U.S. immigration laws, most recently in 2010, have repeatedly failed in Congress.

Comments

by: Josh Conti from: San Jose, California

September 08, 2012 9:14 PM

These undocumented immigrants have no rights, since they are not US citizens. They should be deported immediately and the government should reinforce the border with Mexico. This article i found on this site below, shows what happens if you are found illegally living in Mexico.http://blog.heritage.org/2011/04/04/mexico%E2%80%99s-immigration-laws-the-untold-story/

by: rked from: Houston TX

September 06, 2012 3:13 PM

"She also has found new confidence to express her anger at U.S. immigration policy."

Just an FYI Carrasco...Direct your 'anger' AT the Offending Party....That being YOUR Border-Jumpin ILLEGAL parents....DUH.....&amp; Oh by the way,....LEAVE!!-- You Are a LawBreaker &amp; will be DEPORTED....Just Keep Pushing the American TaxPaying Citizenry And We Will Deport You &amp; Every other ILLEGAL Squattin, DisRespectful Border-Jumpin MOOCH...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by: Ed Harris from: Tierra Del Sol, CA

September 05, 2012 4:05 PM

They don't want the laws already on the books enforced? Well boo f'in who. Deport these invaders and criminals now.

The only immigration reform that needs to be done, is no more birth right status, mass deportations, sieze all illegal invader assets for sale at public auction to pay for the deportations as we know the countries they are from won't pay a dime.

Get out now you aren't wanted here by a majority of the the legal population.

by: Americana from: USA

September 05, 2012 4:02 PM

“287G gives police officers the power to ask for your documentations once you are pulled over, so we don’t want that enforced," said Cruz.

So typical of how the arrogant illegals think they are above the law and don't deserve to be prosecuted for their crimes. This is a great example of why legal citizens are sick of the illegals and have no respect for them. Just yesterday, cops arrested illegals protesting (whining) at the DNC but let them go. What is that?? A totally sad statement when police have arrested criminals in their custody and do not follow through and apply the law as directed.

I hope President Romney vigorously enforces ALL immigration laws and deports all the illegals who think our laws do not apply to them.

by: Ali from: Michigan

September 05, 2012 3:36 PM

Part of a movement called “No Papers, No Fear,” Unzueta-Carrasco and others held an act of civil disobedience that stopped rush-hour traffic in Knoxville, Tennessee last week (Aug. 28) on their way to the Democratic National Convention.------------"Civil disobedience" is an act carried out by CITIZENS of a country in opposition to that country's law. Ms. Unzueta-Carrasco is not even a legal resident of this country, much less a citizen, and is plain old breaking the law, just as she and her family have been doing for years. And contrary to her beliefs, the laws of the US are supposed to be enforced evenhandedly. EVERY illegal alien should be deported, "student" or not, non violent criminal or not, Hispanic or not. Anything else is plain old UNAmerican.

by: wigglwagon from: Appalachia

September 05, 2012 10:31 AM

“This also shows that there are a lot of unsolved issues with immigration law that Congress needs to deal with," said McKanders."

Ms. McKanders may be a law professor but she definitely does not understand the American system of government. Congress has already dealt with immigration law.

The only unsolved issue is the administration's refusal to implement that law as it is written. If she or Mr. Obama or anyone else wants that law changed, the American system of government provides the process for doing that. Until then, it is the DUTY of the administration to enforce the law as it was written.

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